Vortex Generating Sand and Snow Fence

ABSTRACT

A sand dune or snow fence having slats with a substantially triangular cross-section, rather than rectangular slats. The slats are arranged to eliminate parallel surfaces there between such that air moving between the slats is not compressed or accelerated. The non-parallel surfaces provided by the triangular slats disrupt the flow of air and generate vortices. One configuration includes multiple wings radiating from a center post and anchored on each end by an end post. The asterisk-pattern of this configuration provides a robust structure sufficient to survive extreme weather. Accordingly, this design provides the additional benefit of eliminating the cost associated with replacing damaged and lost fences of the prior art.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to currently pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/677,921, filed May 5, 2005 and currently pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/713,155 filed Aug. 31, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of making snow and sand dune fences. Sand dune and snow fences of the prior art tend to scour in certain wind conditions. These fences cause erosion at the base of the fence, rather than accreting snow or sand.

Therefore, what is needed is a snow or sand dune fence that disrupts the lift generated by spinning particles and cause them to fall out of transport.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a drift fence comprising a plurality of triangular slat members with spacer elements disposed between the slat members to form fence wings. The slat members are arranged to eliminate parallel surfaces between the slats where air travels, however the corresponding diagonal surfaces are parallel in orientation.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a center post with a plurality of wings radiating outward. The fence wings, usually about 6, terminate in end posts which are driven into the ground. This configuration provides an asterisk-pattern which is both useful in varying wing conditions and particularly strong. In another embodiment, four fence wings are combined to form a box or diamond structure.

One side of each triangular slat member constitutes a hypotenuse side. In one embodiment, the hypotenuse side of each triangular slat member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the drift fence. Here, the hypotenuse sides of the triangular slat members are disposed along the leading end of the drift fence.

In an alternate embodiment, the hypotenuse side of each triangular slat member is about 45 degrees to the longitudinal extent of the drift fence. Here the hypotenuse side of each triangular slat member faces the trailing edge of the drift fence. In most embodiments, the hypotenuse sides of the triangular slat members are in substantially parallel relation to each other.

The present invention also provides for an array of drift fences comprising a first row of drift fences, having a plurality of triangular slat members, spaced apart by a predetermined distance. It is also possible to incorporate a second row, or more, of drift fences, having a plurality of triangular slat members, spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The array can include drift fences of any configuration, including the asterisk-pattern and diamond or box-pattern discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a fence section showing the relation of the diagonal surfaces of the individual slats, wherein the hypotenuse side of each slat is arranged at about 45 degrees to the weaving wire.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a fence section showing the relation of the diagonal surfaces of the individual slats, wherein the hypotenuse side of each slat is arranged substantially parallel to the weaving wire.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fence wing.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fence section arranged in an asterisk-pattern.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fence section arranged in a closed, diamond-pattern.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an array of diamond-pattern fence sections.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an array of asterisk-shaped fence sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All references to dimensions are for example only. While the dimensions provided below provide advantages such as ease of manufacturing, shipping and storage, other dimensions are envisioned and do not deviate from the scope of the invention.

The instant invention employs triangular slats, rather than the rectangular slats of the prior art. One can eliminate parallel surfaces, across which air moves as it passes through the fence, by arranging the triangular slats correctly. Moving air through two parallel surfaces causes the air to compress and accelerate. This acceleration cause's scour at the bottom edge of the fence. The non-parallel surfaces of the instant invention, however, causes a sudden disruption to the flow of air through the fence slats; generating vortices.

Vortices reduce the amount of lift that is present in ground effect as the particles move over the surface of the ground. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, uses a right triangle design for vortex generation. Slats 20 can be woven together like the sand fences of the prior art, by using two strands of wire 25 for each line (upper 25 a, middle 25 b, lower 25 c shown in FIG. 3) of the fence section. The number of slats in each section can vary depending on the intended use of the fence. Most commonly, the number of slats in each section will vary from 20 to 24.

In one embodiment, the triangular slats are oriented to have its diagonal surfaces arranged in the wire such that the corresponding surfaces of successive slats are parallel. For example, hypotenuse side 20 a is formed where slats 20 are formed as right triangles. In FIG. 1, the hypotenuse side 20 a of each slat 20 is oriented in parallel fashion to face the trailing edge of fence wing 10. FIG. 2, alternatively, depicts an embodiment wherein the hypotenuse side 20 a of each slat 20 is oriented in parallel fashion to face the leading edge of fence wing 10. While the figures demonstrate the use of slats formed of a right triangle, any triangular shape is envisioned. Parallel orientation of the corresponding surfaces of subsequent slat will not always be possible, such as in some embodiments where alternate triangular shapes, i.e. equilateral, are employed.

In addition, the design and layout of individual fence sections in a dune-building obstacle differs from the standard T, V, W or \\\pattern of the prior art. The present invention uses an asterisk-pattern so that wind coming from any direction will create the maximum vortex possible. The fence includes a center-post and a plurality, about six, of fence wings extending radially from this post. An array of multiple winged obstacles is created by placing multi-winged fences in a row. Ideally, each fence is offset by one-half the distance between each obstacle to create a staggered pattern. Eolian particles thereby enter the array and are trapped by the leading or subsequent row.

FIG. 3 is illustrative of a general embodiment of the instant invention and represents one “wing” 15 of sand fence 10. In this embodiment, each “wing” 15 consists of a four-foot by four-foot row of slats 20 having a substantially triangular cross-section. Each wing terminates in posts 30 that are 3 inches in diameter and are 8 feet long. The area of the posts which extend past the wing, about four feet are placed in the ground (not shown).

Each slat of the wired fence is a triangular shaped, about four-foot long, wooden slat. Slats are most easily created by cutting a four-foot long 1″×1″ in half, diagonally along its longitudinal axis. Although any type of wood or material can be used, the wood most commonly used is the same type as that used in the rectangular-slat fences of the prior art. The slats are then weaved together using materials and methods common to known fences.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the inventive sand fence comprises a plurality of wings 15 radiating from a center post 35 in substantially symmetrical fashion. The structure of this illustrative consists of a plurality, here six, four-foot square wings connected to common center post 35 and anchored on each end by end posts 30. The asterisk-pattern of this embodiment provides a robust structure sufficient to survive extreme weather. Accordingly, this design provides the additional benefit of eliminating the cost associated with replacing damaged and lost fences of the prior art.

The configuration shown in FIG. 5 allows installation of the sand fence within a zone where marine life, such as turtles and shorebirds, may be active. This configuration is diamond-shaped, with wings 15 connected to end posts 30 and the longitudinal axis Al of the closed structure aligned with the landward-seaward line; perpendicular to the shoreline. Animals moving along that path are diverted into a diagonal direction along the perimeter of the fence thereby eliminating the possibility of dead-end entrapment.

In addition, vegetation planted in the center of the section has an irrigation advantage over vegetation planted along the toe of a dune, i.e. on a flat contour. Here the fence will create a natural low-spot quickly and allow rain water to pool in the center are more efficiently than water moving off and through the slope of a dune fence.

FIG. 6 shows one possible installation pattern of an array of the diamond-shaped, turtle friendly, fence sections. Here, the closed fence sections 40 are arranged such that a minimum width of about 8 feet is maintained between the parallel fence lines.

A possible installation pattern of an array of the asterisk-shaped fence section 45 is shown in FIG. 7. The installation pattern shown here is based on each fence section having an eight foot diameter. Each fence section is spaced along a line 45 a at eight foot intervals; leaving an eight foot gap between each section. A second row 45 b is then added to place a section in front of the gap 47 created by the previous row. The pattern is continued until the area requiring sand dune formation is covered with fence sections. A minimum of two rows are suggested.

The deployment pattern shown in FIG. 7 has numerous advantages. Flood water that reaches the installed sections is diverted into a tortuous path after enough time to accrete some sediment and form small dunes. This helps expend energy.

Moreover, low spots between the sections, formed once sand or sediment has begun to accrete and a topographic change is started, provides natural drainage for rainwater and provides water to vegetation planted or growing nearby. Finally, once the sections are buried by the accreting sand, a second layer can be placed on top of the buried layer by offsetting the pattern to avoid hitting the buried sections. In this manner, an eight-foot high dune could be created.

It will be seen that the advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. Now that the invention has been described, 

1. A drift fence, comprising a plurality of substantially triangular slat members.
 2. The drift fence of claim 1 wherein the slat members are arranged to eliminate parallel surfaces there between.
 3. The drift fence of claim 1 further comprising a center post.
 4. The drift fence of claim 3 wherein the plurality of substantially triangular slat members radiate from the center post.
 5. The drift fence of claim 4 wherein the plurality of substantially triangular slat members radiate from the center post along six axis.
 6. The drift fence of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of end posts.
 7. The drift fence of claim 6 comprising 4 end posts connected by a plurality of the substantially triangular slat members to form a box structure.
 8. The drift fence of claim 1 wherein one side of the substantially triangular slat members forms a hypotenuse side.
 9. The drift fence of claim 8 wherein the hypotenuse side of each substantially triangular slat member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the drift fence.
 10. The drift fence of claim 8 wherein the hypotenuse sides of the substantially triangular slat members are in substantially parallel relation to each other.
 11. The drift fence of claim 8 wherein the hypotenuse sides of the substantially triangular slat members are disposed along the leading end of the drift fence.
 12. The drift fence of claim 8 wherein the hypotenuse side of each substantially triangular slat member is about 45 degrees to the longitudinal extent of the drift fence.
 13. A drift fence array, comprising: a first row of drift fences, having a plurality of substantially triangular slat members, spaced apart by a predetermined distance.
 14. The drift fence array of claim 13, further comprising: a second row of drift fences, having a plurality of substantially triangular slat members, spaced apart by a predetermined distance.
 15. The drift fence array of claim 13 wherein each drift fence comprises a plurality of substantially triangular slat members radiating from a center post.
 16. The drift fence of claim 15 wherein the plurality of substantially triangular slat members radiate from the center post in substantially symmetrical fashion.
 17. The drift fence array of claim 15 wherein each drift fence comprises a plurality of substantially triangular slat members radiating from the center post along six axis.
 18. The drift fence array of claim 17 wherein each drift fence has a diameter of about 8 feet.
 19. The drift fence array of claim 13 wherein the drift fences are spaced apart by a distance of about 8 feet. 